Radiation sensing device and holder

ABSTRACT

A system for holding and aligning a radiation sensing device is described. The system includes a radiation sensing device having a sensor engagement member. The system also includes a holder having a retention member including first and second retention guides connected with opposing ends of a back plate. The first retention guide also includes a complementary holder engagement member configured to mate with the sensor engagement member at a preset position.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates generally to sensor holders, and in particular,to an adapter for connecting a first type of rod and ring to a secondtype of holder for a dental radiation sensing device.

Dental radiographs are made using x-ray examination units, oftenincluding an x-ray cone or tube positioned proximate the patient andaligned to take x-rays of certain teeth. Dental x-ray sensing devices,which include including x-ray film units, digital x-ray sensors, chargecoupled devices, phosphor imaging plates or the like, often have agenerally flat or plate-like configuration and standardized dimensionsso that the sensing device can be placed into the oral cavity.

The sensing device is placed into the patient's mouth and held in placeproximate to the tooth or teeth to be examined. The x-ray's are directedthrough the target teeth and then through the sensor. It has been foundthat proper orientation of the sensor is required to eliminatedistortions and improper focus.

To ensure proper orientation of the sensing device, sensor carriers orholders with “bite blocks” have been developed. These devices often havea plate for holding the sensing device and a bite block that the patientbites down upon to position the device and the carried sensor. A biteblock is shown for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,473,026.

Different sensing devices are often used depending upon the area of themouth to be examined. This may include for example, endo, posterior,anterior, left, right, upper and lower bite wings, and the like. Knownbite blocks and sensor holders have been individually designed andmanufactured for each different type of sensing device. The dimensionsof the sensing device and the holder dictate the degree of securedpositioning of the sensing device in the holder.

A dental professional may have a large number of x-ray sensing deviceswith varying sizes and shapes, and hence, a similarly large number ofsensor holders. The dental professional is often faced with employing adifferent sensing device or set of sensing devices, holders and biteblocks depending upon the particular x-ray procedure being employed andthe area of the mouth to be examined. At best, it is time consuming tochange between sensing devices, sensor holders and bite blocks.

In order to precisely align the x-ray cone or tube with a particularx-ray sensing device held by a particular sensor holder, a rod and ringguide combination may be employed. The rod is typically attached to aparticular sensor holder at one end and connected with the ring guide atthe other end. The ring guide helps to aim the x-ray cone or tube at thex-ray sensing device. However, some times, in order to take x-rays ofvarious different portions of the mouth, multiple sensor holders mayneed to be attached to a particular rod and ring guide combination.

A need exists therefore, for adapting a particular sensor holder for usewith a particular rod and ring guide combination to take x-rays ofvarious different portions of the mouth.

SUMMARY

The present invention is defined by the following claims, and nothing inthis section should be taken as a limitation on those claims. By way ofintroduction, the preferred embodiments described below relate to asystem for holding and aligning a radiation sensing device. The systemincludes a radiation sensing device having a sensor engagement member.The system also includes a holder having a retention member includingfirst and second retention guides connected with opposing ends of a backplate. The first retention guide also includes a complementary holderengagement member configured to mate with the sensor engagement memberat a preset position.

The preferred embodiments also relate to a holder for holding andaligning a radiation sensing device. The holder includes a retentionmember including a back plate and first and second retention guidesconnected with opposing ends of the back plate. The first retentionguide forms a holder engagement member configured to mate with acomplementary sensor engagement member on the radiation sensing deviceat a preset position.

The preferred embodiments also relate to a radiation sensing deviceincluding a housing encasing a digital sensor for sensing radiation anda sensor engagement member connected with the housing for engaging acomplementary holder engagement member connected with a holder forholding the radiation sensing device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a holder for a radiation sensorand/or a radiation film unit, in accordance with one preferredembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 depicts an enlarged partial perspective view of a holder for aradiation sensor and/or a radiation film unit holding a radiationsensor, in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 depicts an enlarged partial perspective view of a holder for aradiation sensor and/or a radiation film unit holding a radiation filmunit, in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 depicts side view of a holder for a radiation sensor and/or aradiation film unit holding a radiation sensor, in accordance with onepreferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a radiation sensor, in accordancewith one preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 depicts a top view of a holder for a radiation sensor and/or aradiation film unit, in accordance with one preferred embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of a holder for a radiation sensorand/or a radiation film unit, in accordance with one preferredembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 depicts a top view of a holder for a radiation sensor and/or aradiation film unit, in accordance with one preferred embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of a holder for a radiation sensorand/or a radiation film unit, in accordance with one preferredembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 depicts a partial perspective view of a holder for a radiationsensor and/or a radiation film unit, in accordance with one preferredembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 depicts a first perspective view of a holder for a radiationsensor and/or a radiation film unit connected with a ring guide using aring guide adapter, in accordance with one preferred embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of the ring guide adapter of FIG. 11being connected with a rod and a ring guide holder at a first alignmentmember, in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 depicts a second perspective view of a holder for a radiationsensor and/or a radiation film unit connected with a ring guide using aring guide adapter, in accordance with one preferred embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 14 depicts a side view of the holder for a radiation sensor and/ora radiation film unit connected with the ring guide in a first positionusing the ring guide adapter of FIG. 11, in accordance with onepreferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 depicts an enlarged first perspective view of the ring guideadapter of FIG. 11, in accordance with one preferred embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 16 depicts an enlarged second perspective view of the ring guideadapter of FIG. 11, in accordance with one preferred embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 17 depicts an enlarged perspective view of the rod of FIG. 12, inaccordance with one preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 depicts a side view of the holder for a radiation sensor and/ora radiation film unit connected with the ring guide in a second positionusing the ring guide adapter of FIG. 11, in accordance with onepreferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 depicts a perspective view of the holder for a radiation sensorand/or a radiation film unit connected with the ring guide in a secondposition using the ring guide adapter of FIG. 11, in accordance with onepreferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 20 depicts an enlarged perspective view of the holder for aradiation sensor and/or a radiation film unit of FIG. 11, in accordancewith one preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 21 depicts a side view of the holder for a radiation sensor and/ora radiation film unit connected with the ring guide in a third positionusing the ring guide adapter of FIG. 11, in accordance with onepreferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 22 depicts a side view of the holder for a radiation sensor and/ora radiation film unit connected with the ring guide in a fourth positionusing the ring guide adapter of FIG. 11, in accordance with onepreferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 23 depicts a side view of the holder for a radiation sensor and/ora radiation film unit connected with the ring guide in a fifth positionusing the ring guide adapter of FIG. 11, in accordance with onepreferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 24 depicts a perspective view of a radiation sensing device beinginserted into a holder connected with a ring guide through a ring guideadapter, in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 25 depicts a perspective view of the radiation sensing device ofFIG. 24 inserted into the holder of FIG. 24, in accordance with onepreferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 26 depicts a cross sectional view of the radiation sensing deviceand holder of FIG. 25 along plane A-A, in accordance with one preferredembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 27 depicts a second perspective view of the radiation sensingdevice and holder of FIG. 25, in accordance with one preferredembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 28 depicts an enlarged cross sectional view of a radiation sensingdevice mating with a holder, in accordance with one preferred embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 29 depicts an enlarged cross sectional view of a radiation sensingdevice mating with a holder, in accordance with one preferred embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 30 depicts a perspective view of a ring guide adapter connectedwith a holder for holding a radiation sensing device and a ring guide,in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 31 depicts an enlarged frontal view of ring guide adapter shown inFIG. 30, in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 32 depicts a perspective view of a ring guide adapter connectedwith a holder for holding a radiation sensing device and a ring guide,in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 33 depicts a perspective view of an engagement member connectedwith a holder for holding a radiation sensing device and a ring guide,in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the invention.

It should be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity ofillustration, elements shown in the Figures have not necessarily beendrawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements areexaggerated relative to each other for clarity. Further, whereconsidered appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among theFigures to indicate corresponding elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of a holder 100for a radiation sensing device 120, according to one preferredembodiment. The holder 100 is designed to hold and retain the radiationsensing device 120 in a multitude of positions. Preferably, the holder100 is manufactured using an injection molded process in order to reducecosts. However, holder 100 can be manufactured in one of many ways. Forexample, holder 100 may be machined, thermoformed, and hand-made.Preferably, in order to reduce costs and maintain rigidity, holder 100is a one-piece unit which is integrally formed. However, holder 100 maycomprise multiple parts which are then assembled and fitted together.Preferably, holder 100 is constructed from a rigid yet somewhat flexiblematerial, such as but not limited to: metals such as iron, steel,stainless steel, aluminum, silver, titanium, and brass; plastics, suchas ethylene, vinyl, acetate; acrylics, such asacrylonitrol-butadine-styrene; resins; and polymers such aspolycarbonate. The holder 100 may be colored any one of variousdifferent colors depending on the size and type of sensors used. Forexample, the holder may be colored white for a size two x-ray film unitor colored green for a size zero x-ray film unit.

Radiation sensing device 120 is any device which can be used to senseradiation, such as gamma wave radiation, light wave radiation and,preferably, x-ray radiation. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, radiationsensing device 120 includes such devices as a radiation film unit 122,which uses film 129 to detect radiation, such as x-ray radiation, aradiation sensor unit 124, which uses a digital sensor 128 or a chargecoupled device to detect radiation such as x-rays, a phosphor imagingplate or the like. Radiation sensor unit 124 may include a wire 126which is used to provide power and/or transfer signals between thedigital radiation sensor 128 and a control unit, not shown. Preferably,radiation sensing device 120 is a dental x-ray sensing device which issized for use in the mouth of a patient in order to take x-ray scans ofa patient's teeth.

The holder 100 includes a first retention member 102 and a handle 106connected with the first retention member 102, as illustrated in FIGS.1-3. The first retention member 102 includes a back plate 140, a firstretention guide 142, and a second retention guide 144, as illustrated inFIGS. 1, 7, and 9. The first retention guide 142 is connected with anend of the back plate 140 and the second retention guide is connectedwith an opposing end of the back plate 140. The first retention guide142 faces the second retention guide 144. Preferably, the back plate140, the first retention guide 142, and the second retention guide 144are integrally formed, as shown in FIGS. 1, 7, and 9. Preferably, eachretention guide 142, 144 forms a generally u-shaped cross section.

More preferably, each retention guide 142, 144 forms a generallyu-shaped cross section having a gripping portion 143, 145, respectively,wherein each gripping portion 143, 145 curves inwards towards the backplate 140, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 6, 8, and 9. The gripping portions143, 145 help to better hold the radiation sensing device 120 in placeand allow the holder 100 to accommodate a wide variety of radiationsensing devices with varying thicknesses, such as both radiation filmunits 122 and radiation sensor units 124, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and8, or such as radiation sensor units of varying thicknesses. Preferably,the gripping portions 143, 145 are apply enough pressure on theradiation sensing device 120 to hold the device 120 in place withoutdamaging the device 120. With this configuration, holder 100 can receivethe radiation sensing device 120, by sliding the radiation sensingdevice 120 in between the first retention guide 142 and the secondretention guide 144 and against the back plate 140, as illustrated inFIGS. 1-3.

Preferably the retention guides 142, 144 are sized such that radiationsensing device 120 fits firmly between the first retention guide 142 andthe second retention guide 144 and against the back plate 140, asillustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 8, and 9. Preferably each retention guide142, 144 extends from an upper portion of the back plate 140 to a lowerportion of the back plate 140, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 9. Asdefined herein, an upper portion of the back plate 140 is a portion ofthe back plate 140 that is within an upper half 158 of the back plate140 and a lower portion of the back plate 140 is a portion of the backplate 140 that is within a lower half 159 of the back plate 140.Dividing the back plate 140 into two halves, wherein each half extendsfrom the first retention guide 142 to the second retention guide 144,one half is the upper half 158 and the opposing half is the lower half159, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 9, wherein the back plate 140 isdivided into halves by imaginary line 1-1 located centrally in backplate 140.

In one embodiment the first retention member 102 includes a retentionstop, such as an upper retention stop 150, on a front surface 154 of theback plate 140. The retention stop is preferably between the retentionguides 142, 144, as illustrated in FIGS. 6-9. Preferably the firstretention member 102 comprises an upper retention stop 150 connectedwith an upper portion of the back plate 140, and a lower retention stop152 opposed to the upper retention stop 150 and connected with a lowerportion of the back plate 140. Preferably both the upper and lowerretention stops, 150, 152 are located between the retention guides 142,144. The retention stops 150, 152 include a portion which extends awayfrom the back plate 140 and allow for a user to position the radiationsensing device 120 either towards the bottom portion of the back plate140, or towards the upper portion of the back plate 140, as illustratedin FIGS. 2 and 7. By allowing a user to change the position of theradiation sensing device 120 in this way, the holder 100 allows a userto position the radiation sensing device 120 more accurately whenradiation is applied to either the upper or lower teeth in a patient'smouth. Preferably, each retention stop 150, 152 extends in a directionfrom the first retention guide 142 to the second retention guide 144, asillustrated in FIG. 7.

Preferably, the first retention member 102 includes flexible members151, 153 attached to each retention stop 150, 152, respectively, at oneend and attached to the back plate 140 at a second end, as illustratedin FIG. 7. The flexible members 151, 153 may be formed in the back plate140, or may be formed on the back plate 140, and allow the retentionstops 150, 152 to move back and forth upon insertion of a radiationsensing device 120 into the first retention member 102. Additionally, byallowing the retention stops 150, 152 to move back and forth, theflexible members 151, 153 also allow the retention stops 150, 152 toapply an appropriate amount of pressure on the radiation sensing device120, such that the radiation sensing device 120 is held in place yet notdamaged. In one embodiment, the first retention member 102 includes morethan one upper retention stop 150, as illustrated in FIG. 7. Theadditional retention stop 150 allows for better placement of theradiation sensing device 120.

In one embodiment, each retention guide 142, 144 forms a retentiongroove 146, 148 for receiving a radiation film unit 122, as illustratedin FIGS. 1, 4, and 6, and 8. The retention grooves 146, 148 forms au-shape cross section which is smaller than the u-shaped cross sectionformed by each retention guide 142, 144. By forming a smaller u-shapedcross section, the retention grooves 146, 148 are better able to receivea radiation film unit 122, since generally, the radiation film unit 122has a smaller thickness T₂ than a thickness T₁ of the radiation sensorunit 124, as illustrated in FIG. 1. In this manner by using retentiongrooves 146 and 148, a single retention member 102, 104 is able toaccommodate both a radiation film unit 122 and a radiation sensingdevice 120, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 8.

In one embodiment, the holder 100 includes a first wire retention member108 on the handle 106, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Wire retention member108 is able to accommodate and grasp a wire such as the wire 126 foundin radiation sensor unit 124. Preferably, the handle 106 also includes agroove 113 in which wire can reside in. Working in conjunction with wireretention member 108, groove 113 is able to accommodate and secure awire such as the wire 126 found in radiation sensor unit 124, thereforepreventing the wire from becoming tangled within a user's mouth.Preferably, the wire retention member 108 is formed on the handle 106adjacent the first retention member 102.

In one embodiment, the holder 100 includes a second wire retentionmember 110 on the handle 106, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Wire retentionmember 110 is able to accommodate and grasp a wire such as the wire 126found in radiation sensor unit 124. Preferably, the handle 106 alsoincludes a groove 111 in which wire can reside in. Working inconjunction with wire retention member 110, groove 111 is able toaccommodate and secure a wire such as the wire 126 found in radiationsensor unit 124, therefore preventing the wire from becoming tangledwithin a user's mouth. Preferably, the wire retention member 110 isformed on the handle 106 adjacent a second retention member 104.

In one embodiment, the holder 100 includes a second retention member 104connected with the handle 106, wherein the second retention member 104is opposed to the first retention member 102. The second retentionmember 104 functions essentially the same way as the first retentionmember 102 and may include many of the same elements as found in thefirst retention member 102. In one embodiment, the second retentionmember 104 includes a back plate 160, retention guides 162, 164,gripping portions 163, 165, retention grooves 166, 168, an upperretention stop 170, and a lower retention stop 172, as illustrated inFIGS. 1, 3, and 6-9. Preferably, the first retention member 102 isconnected with one end of the handle 106 and the second retention member104 is connected with an opposing end of the handle 106 as illustratedin FIG. 1. Preferably, the first and second retention members 102, 104are each sized differently so that each retention member 102, 104 canaccept a radiation sensing device 120 of a different size. For example,in one embodiment the first retention member 102 may be sized to accepta first radiation sensing device 120 and a second retention member 104may be sized to accept a second radiation sensing device 120, whereinthe size of the first radiation sensing device 120 is not equal to thesize of the second radiation sensing device 120.

In one embodiment, the holder 100 comprises a bite block 130 on a backsurface 174 of the back plate 160, wherein the back surface 174 opposesa front surface 176, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 8. The bite block 130is preferably positioned centrally on the back plate between the upperretention slot 170 and lower retention slot 172 as illustrated in FIG.3. When the holder 100 is inserted into a patient's mouth, the patientis able to bite down with the patient's teeth on the bite block 130 andengage the first retention member 102. The bite block 130 allows formore accurate positioning of the holder 100, and more specifically thefirst retention member 102 and the sensor 120, within a patient's mouth.Preferably, the bite block 130 includes a series of serrations 132, asillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6, in order to provide additional grip andless movement for the holder 100 within the patient's mouth. Preferably,the serrations 132 are diamond shaped and are indented into the biteblock.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the length L from one end of the holder 100 toanother end of the holder 100 in a direction from a first retentionmember to a second retention member 104, is approximately between 5 and50 centimeters and more preferably between 10 and 30 centimeters andmost preferably between 15 and 25 centimeters. Additionally, thedistance D₁ between a first retention groove 146 and a second retentiongroove 148 is preferably between 3 and 8 centimeters. Additionally, adistance D₂ between a first retention guide 142 and a second retentionguide 144, as illustrated in FIG. 6, is preferably between 3 and 8centimeters. A distance D₃ between the back plate 140 and a far end of aretention guide 142, 144, as illustrated in FIG. 6, is preferablybetween 1 and 20 millimeters, and more preferably, between 2 to 10millimeters, and a distance D₄ between one end of the retention grooveand a second end of the retention groove, as illustrated in FIG. 6, isapproximately between 0.1 and 4 millimeters, and more preferably,between 0.5 and 3 millimeters. A distance D₅ from the back surface ofthe back plate 140 to a distal surface of the bite block 130, asillustrated in FIG. 6, is preferably between 1 and 3 centimeters.

Radiation sensing devices 120 can vary in width W, height H andthickness T as illustrated in FIG. 5. Preferably the width W of theradiation sensing device 120 is between 3 and 8 centimeters. Alsopreferably the height H of the radiation sensing device 120 is between 1and 4 centimeters and the thickness T is preferably between 0.1 and 20millimeters, and more preferably, between 1 to 10 millimeters.

In one embodiment, the holder 100 includes a pivoting member 182attached to the back plate 140 of the first retention member 102 at apivot point 180 and connected with the handle 106, as illustrated inFIG. 10. The pivoting member 182 allows the first retention member 102to be pivoted at the pivot point 180, thus providing the holder 100 withthe ability to rotate the retention member 102 at a variety of angleswith respect to the handle 106. The pivoting member 182 also providesthe user with a variety of configurations in which the holder may beplaced, and therefore provides the user with additional flexibility whenpositioning the holder 100, and more specifically, the retention member102. Preferably, the back plate 140 includes a series of stops 184projecting radially outwards from the pivot point 180. The stops 184 mayeither be in the form of grooves formed in the back surface 156 or inthe form of projections formed on the back surface 156. The stops 184engage the pivoting member 182 and stop the pivoting member 182 frompivoting at preselected angles with respect to the handle 106, asillustrated in FIG. 10.

In one embodiment, a system 190 for holding and aligning a radiationsensing device 120 is provided, as shown in FIG. 11. The system 190includes the holder 100 for the radiation sensing device 120, a ringguide adapter 200 removably connected with the holder 100, a rod 240removably connected with the ring guide adapter 200, and a ring guide250 which is slidably connected with the rod 240.

While in this embodiment, the system 190 includes the holder 100, anydevice which can hold a radiation sensing device 120 can be used insubstitution for the holder 100, such as U.S. Pat. No. 2,239,569, U.S.Pat. No. 2,240,336, U.S. Pat. No. 4,484,342, U.S. Pat. No. 4,489,427,U.S. Pat. No. 4,965,885, U.S. Pat. No. 5,090,047, U.S. Pat. No.5,677,537, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,461,038. The holder 100 includes at leastone retention member 102 for holding a radiation sensing device 120 anda handle 106 connected with the retention member 102, as shown in FIG.20. In this embodiment, the holder 100 also includes an engagementmember 230. As used herein, an engagement member, such as the engagementmember 230, may be any device which is adapted to removably connect withanother device, and includes such thing as: mechanical fasters includinghook and loop type fasters such as VELCRO™, projecting members such askeys, channels and cavities such as key-holes, snap-fit arrangements, africtional arrangement which includes members which frictionally engageeach other, screws, nails, nuts and bolts, hydraulic engagement;chemical fasteners such as epoxy or other types of glue, solder or othertypes of welding engagements; magneto-electrical fasteners such asmagnets, electrical magnets, and charged couplings. Preferably, theengagement member 230 is a channel 232 which goes into or through thehandle 106, as shown in FIG. 20. The engagement member connects with andmates with a complementary engagement member 220 of the ring guideadapter 200, as shown in FIGS. 11-13.

The ring guide adapter 200 includes first, second and third alignmentmembers 202, 208, 214. Each alignment member 202, 208, 214 includes anengagement member 204, 210, 216, respectively, which is removablyconnected with and mates with a complementary-engagement member 241 onthe rod 240, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 17. Preferably, the engagementmembers 204, 210, 216 are cavities 209, 215, 221 which are formed ineach respective engagement member 204, 210, 216. Preferably, thecavities 209, 215, 221 receiving a pair of projections 242, 244 of theengagement member 241. In order to insure a snug fit, in one embodiment,the cavities 209, 215, 221 are formed in the shape of a key-hole andinclude semi-circular upper portions 205, 211, 217 which are connectedwith generally U-shaped lower portions 206, 212, 218 through a pair ofbends 207, 213, 219, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16.

Rod 240 connects the ring guide 250 with the handle 106 through the useof the adapter 200. Preferably, the rod 240 is composed of a rigidmaterial such as a metal like aluminum, steel, or nickel. The rod 240allows the ring guide 250 to be positioned a distance away from eitherthe first or second retention member 102, 104. Preferably, the rod 240is slidably connected with the ring guide 250 through a channel 258which is formed through a connecting portion 254 of the ring guide 250,as shown in FIG. 11. This allows the distance between the ring guide 250and either the first or second retention member 102, 104 to be varied.

The rod 240 is removably connected with either the first, second orthird alignment members 202, 208, 214 of the ring guide adapter 200.More specifically, the rod 240 includes engagement member 241, which ispreferably positioned at one end of the rod 240, and which mates withone of the engagement members 204, 210, 216 on the adapter 200, asdiscussed above. The rod 240 preferably has a multi-sided cross section,such as a square cross-section, to prevent the ring guide 250 fromrotating on the rod 240 and to provide precise alignment between thefirst or second retention member 102, 104 and the ring guide 250. Therod 240 and the ring guide 250 can be any standard or known arrangementof rods and ring guides and includes such devices as those shown in U.S.Pat. No. 3,473,026; the XCP Film Holding System manufactured by DentsplyRinn™ of Elgin, Ill.; and the RAPD Positioning System™ manufactured byFlow X-Ray Corporation of Deer Park, N.Y.

The ring guide 250 is used to precisely aim a radiation generatingmachine, such as an x-ray machine, at and direct radiation from theradiation generating machine to either retention member 102, 104. Thering guide 250 includes a guide 256 which is slidably connected with therod 240, a ring 252, and a connecting portion 254 connecting the ring252 to the guide 256, as shown in FIGS. 11-14. The guide 256 forms achannel 258 through which the rod 240 is positioned. In this manner, therod 240 is slidably engaged with and connected with the ring guide 250.The ring 252 is a generally circular member which is used to aim andalign a cone of a radiation generating machine with either retentionmember 102, 104, so that radiation emitted from the machine areprecisely directed towards the radiation sensing device 120 situated ineither retention member 102, 104.

There are three basic positions to place the ring 252 in with respect toeither retention member 102, 104 for taking three basic types ofradiographs: 1) a central position in which the ring 252 is aimed at thecenter of either retention member 102, 104 for taking bite wing oranterior type radiographs, as shown in FIG. 14, a lower position inwhich the ring 252 is aimed at the a lower portion of either retentionmember 102, 104 for taking lower posterior type radiographs, as shown inFIGS. 18, 19 and 22; and an upper position, which is opposite the lowerposition, in which the ring 252 is aimed at an upper portion of eitherretention member 102, 104 for taking upper posterior type radiographs,as shown in FIGS. 21 and 23. Preferably, the first, second, and thirdalignment members 202, 208, 214 are positioned on the ring guide adapter200 so that when the rod 240 is removably connected with the firstalignment member 202, the ring guide 250 is positioned for a firstradiograph type, such as a bite wing or anterior type radiograph; sothat when rod 240 is removably connected with the second alignmentmember 208, the ring guide 250 is positioned for a second radiographtype, such as a lower posterior type radiograph; and so that when rod240 is removably connected with the third alignment member 214, the ringguide 250 is positioned for a third radiograph type, such as a upperposterior type radiograph.

Preferably, the ring guide adapter 200 is removably connected with theengagement member 230 of the holder 100 through a complementaryengagement member 220. Preferably, the engagement member 220 is africtional arrangement which includes a lower plate 222 connected withan upper plate 224 through a connecting plate 226, and includes aprojecting member 228 which is connected with and extends away from asurface of the connecting plate 226 and between the lower and upperplates 222, 224, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. When connecting theengagement member 220 of the adapter 200 with the engagement member 230of the holder 100, the projecting member 228 is inserted into andthrough the channel 232, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. Additionally,lower, upper, and connecting plates 222, 224, 226 partially surround andengage lower, upper, and left or right sides 249, 248, 246, 247 of thehandle 106 of the holder 100, as shown in FIGS. 11-13. In this manner,the ring guide adapter 200 is able to be removably connected with theholder 100. Preferably, the channel 232 and the projecting member 228are designed in such a way so that the projecting member 228 can beinserted in at least one of two different ways.

For example, in one embodiment, the projecting member 228 has arectangular cross section which mates with a rectangular cross sectionof the channel 232 in one of four ways. In a first way, the projectingmember 228 is inserted into the channel 232 so that the lower plate 222engages the upper side 248, the upper plate 224 engages the lower side249, and the connecting plate 226 engages the left side 246 of theholder 106, as shown in FIG. 11. This arrangement allows the ring guide250 to align with a central portion of the second retention member 104by mating the rod 240 with a first alignment member 202 of the ringguide adapter 200 in order to take central bite wing or anterior typeradiographs which are positioned to capture portions of both the upperand lower teeth of a person's mouth. In a second way, the projectingmember 228 is inserted into the channel 232 so that the lower plate 222engages the upper side 248, the upper plate 224 engages the lower side249, and the connecting plate 226 engages the right side 247 of theholder 106, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. This arrangement allows thering guide 250 to align with either an lower or upper portion of thesecond retention member 104 by mating the rod 240 with either a secondor third alignment member 208, 214 of the ring guide adapter 200 inorder to take, respectively, either lower posterior radiographs whichare positioned to mainly capture portions of the lower teeth of aperson's mouth, or upper posterior radiographs which are positioned tomainly capture portions of the upper teeth of a person's mouth.

In a third way, the projecting member 228 is inserted into the channel232 so that the lower plate 222 engages the lower side 249, the upperplate 224 engages the upper side 248, and the connecting plate 226engages the left side 246 of the holder 106. This arrangement allows thering guide 250 to align with a central portion of the first retentionmember 102 by mating the rod 240 with the first alignment member 202 ofthe ring guide adapter 200 in order to take central bite wing oranterior type radiographs which are positioned to capture portions ofboth the upper and lower teeth of a person's mouth. In a fourth way, theprojecting member 228 is inserted into the channel 232 so that the lowerplate 222 engages the lower side 249, the upper plate 224 engages theupper side 248, and the connecting plate 226 engages the right side 247of the holder 106, as shown in FIGS. 18, 19 and 21. This arrangementallows the ring guide 250 to align with either a lower or upper portionof the first retention member 102 by mating the rod 240 with either thesecond or third alignment member 208, 214 of the ring guide adapter 200in order to take, respectively, either lower posterior radiographs whichare positioned to mainly capture portions of the lower teeth of aperson's mouth, or upper posterior radiographs which are positioned tomainly capture portions of the upper teeth of a person's mouth.

In one embodiment, the first, second, and third alignment members 202,208, 214 are position in a Y-shaped arrangement, as shown in FIG. 12. Inthis arrangement, the first alignment member 202 is opposed to thesecond and third alignment members 208, 214. Wherein the first alignmentmember 202 is aligned along a first centerline C₁, the second alignmentmember 208 is aligned along a second centerline C₂, and the thirdalignment member 214 is aligned along a third centerline C₃. An angle αis formed between the second and third alignment members 208, 214, andmore specifically between the second and third centerlines C₂, C₃.Preferably, the angle α is chosen so as to precisely position the ringguide 250 for second and third radiograph types. An angle β is formedbetween the first and second alignment members 202, 208, and morespecifically between the first and second centerlines C₁, C₂.Preferably, the angle β is chosen so as to precisely position the ringguide 250 for first and second radiograph types. Preferably, the angle αis between 5 and 90 degrees, and more preferably between 10 and 50degrees, and most preferably about 30 degrees. Preferably, the angle βis between 100 and 180 degrees, and more preferably between 120 and 170degrees, and most preferably about 165 degrees.

In one embodiment, a second system 300 for holding and aligning aradiation sensing device 340 is provided, as shown in FIG. 24. Thesystem 300 includes a radiation sensing device 340 and a holder 310 forsecuring and holding the radiation sensing device 340 in a variety ofpreset positions. The radiation sensing device 340 is any device whichcan be used to sense radiation, such as gamma wave radiation, light waveradiation and, preferably, x-ray radiation. As illustrated in FIGS.24-27, radiation sensing device 340 includes such devices as a radiationfilm unit, which uses film to detect radiation, or a radiation sensorunit 344 which uses a digital sensor, a charge coupled device, or aphosphor imaging plate to detect radiation. Radiation sensing device 340may include a wire 387 which is used to provide power and/or transfersignals between the radiation sensor unit 344 and a control unit, notshown. Preferably, radiation sensing device 340 is sized for use in themouth of a patient in order to take x-ray scans of a patient's teeth.

The holder 310 includes at least one retention member 312 for holdingthe radiation sensing device 340 and a handle 336 connected with theretention member 312, as shown in FIG. 24. The handle 336 is integrallyformed with a bite wing 330 which includes a first portion 331 connectedwith the retention member 312 at a first location and a second portion332 which is connected with the retention member 312 at a secondlocation and integrally formed with the handle 336, as shown in FIG. 24.The split bite wing 330 allows for less material to be used when formingthe holder 310 and the bite wing 330. Additionally, the split bite wing330 also allows for the use of endodontic files during a procedure whenthe bite wing 330 is in a patient's mouth. Additionally, integrating thehandle 336 with the bite wing 330 also allows for less material to beused when forming the holder 310.

The retention member 312 includes a back plate 314, a first retentionguide 316, and a second retention guide 318, as illustrated in FIGS.24-27. The back plate 314 connects the first retention guide 316 withthe second retention guide 318. While the back plate 314 is shown asbeing a plate in FIG. 24, the back plate 314 can take on other shapes,such as a rod or paid or rods, so long as the back plate 314 connectsthe first retention guide 316 with the second retention guide 318.Preferably, the handle 310 and the bite wing 330 are connected with oneside of the back plate 314. The first retention guide 316 is connectedwith an end of the back plate 314 and the second retention guide 318 isconnected with an opposing end of the back plate 314. The firstretention guide 316 faces the second retention guide 318. Preferably,the back plate 314, the first retention guide 316, and the secondretention guide 318 are integrally formed, as shown in FIG. 24.Preferably, each retention guide 316, 318 forms a generally unshapedcross section so as to better grip the radiation sensing device 340.

More preferably, each retention guide 316, 318 forms a generallyunshaped cross section surrounding a holder engagement member 320, 322,respectively, as illustrated in FIGS. 24-26. The engagement members 320,322 help to better hold the radiation sensing device 340 in place.Preferably the retention guides 316, 318 are sized such that radiationsensing device 340 fits firmly between the first retention guide 316 andthe second retention guide 318 and against the back plate 314, asillustrated in FIG. 27. Preferably each retention guide 316, 318 extendsin a direction from an upper portion of the back plate 314 to a lowerportion of the back plate 314, as illustrated in FIGS. 24-27. With thisconfiguration, holder 310 can receive the radiation sensing device 340,by sliding the radiation sensing device 340 in between the firstretention guide 316 and the second retention guide 318 and against theback plate 314, as illustrated in FIGS. 24-27.

Radiation sensing device 340 includes a sensor engagement member 345connected with either the radiation film unit or the radiation sensorunit 344. Preferably, the sensor engagement member 345 includes anengagement member which is capable of being engaged with a complementaryholder engagement member 315 located on the holder 310. As used herein acomplementary engagement member mates with and completes an opposingengagement member, such as the sensor engagement member 345. Preferably,the complementary holder engagement member 315 inhibits but does notprevent the opposing engagement member 345 from sliding against thecomplimentary engagement member 315. Preferably, the complementaryengagement member 315 inhibits the opposing engagement member 345 fromsliding against the complimentary engagement member 315 at a presetposition. The preset position is a predetermined position at which thesensor engagement member 345 and the complimentary holder engagementmember 315 mate and lock. The preset position is predetermined based onthe geometries of the sensor engagement member 345 and the complimentaryholder engagement member 315. For example, in one embodiment the sensorengagement member 345 and the complimentary holder engagement member 315each form a pair of hills and a valley between the hills, and a presetposition is formed when a hill from the sensor engagement member 345 isplaced in the valley of the complimentary holder engagement member 315.Preferably, the geometries of the sensor engagement member 345 and thecomplimentary holder engagement member 315 can form more than one presetposition. The preset position helps to lock the sensor in apredetermined and fixed position which helps in aligning the radiationsensing device 340.

As illustrated in FIG. 26, while movement is inhibited betweenengagement members 315 and 345, movement is not prevented and the twoengagement members 315 and 345 can slide against each other and lock atmore than one preset position. In one embodiment, the complementaryholder engagement member 315 mirrors the opposing sensor engagementmember 345, as shown in FIG. 26 through a cross-section of engagementmembers 315 and 345. In one embodiment, the complimentary holderengagement member 315 includes indentations and protrusions which matewith indentations and protrusions in the opposing sensor engagementmember 345, as shown in FIG. 26 through a cross-section of engagementmembers 315 and 345. Preferably, the complementary holder engagementmember 315 does not completely prevent the opposing sensor engagementmember 345 from sliding against the complimentary holder engagementmember 315.

In one embodiment, the engagement members 315 and 345 includes suchengagement members as a snap-fit engagement, teeth such as a gear toothor a saw tooth shaped member, or any other type of cooperating membersuch as fingers. In one embodiment, the engagement members 315 and 345include teeth 353 which are in a saw-like pattern, as shown in FIG. 26.The teeth 353 intermesh with each other and allow for the engagementmembers 315 and 345 to slide against each other and lock at more thanone preset position. However, in one embodiment, the complementaryholder engagement member 315 and the opposing sensor engagement member345 both include fingers 358 which prevent each other from slidingagainst each other. The fingers 358 can be keyed, as shown in FIG. 28,so as to allow on one position in which the engagement members can mate,or they can all be nearly identical, as shown in FIG. 29, so as to allowmore than one preset position.

Preferably, the engagement members 315 and 345 are formed of a somewhatflexible material so as to allow movement between the sensor engagementmember 345 and the complimentary engagement member 315. Using a flexiblematerial allows the engagement members 315 and 345 to retain contactwith each other even when moved or slide with respect to each other.Preferably, the engagement members 315 and 345 are constructed from arigid yet somewhat flexible material through which radiation can pass,such as but not limited to: metals such as iron, steel, stainless steel,aluminum, silver, titanium, and brass; plastics, such as ethylene,vinyl, acetate; acrylics, such as acrylonitrol-butadine-styrene; resins;and polymers such as polycarbonate.

Radiation sensing device 340 preferably includes a housing 341 whichsurrounds either the radiation film unit or the radiation sensor unit344, as shown in FIG. 24. Preferably, the housing 341 completelyenvelopes the radiation film unit or the radiation sensor unit 344, asshown in FIG. 24, however, the housing 341 may have a window, or aplurality of windows exposing a portion of the radiation film unit orthe radiation sensor unit 344. Preferably, the housing 341 ismanufactured using an injection molded process in order to reduce costs.However, the housing 341 can be manufactured in one of many ways. Forexample, housing 341 may be machined, thermoformed, and hand-made.Preferably, in order to reduce costs and maintain rigidity, housing 341is a one-piece unit which is integrally formed, or a two-piece unitwhich is snap fitted together. However, housing 341 may comprisemultiple parts which are then assembled and fitted together. Preferably,housing 341 is constructed from a rigid yet somewhat flexible materialthrough which radiation can pass, such as but not limited to: metalssuch as iron, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, silver, titanium, andbrass; plastics, such as ethylene, vinyl, acetate; acrylics, such asacrylonitrol-butadine-styrene; resins; and polymers such aspolycarbonate. The housing 341 may be colored any one of variousdifferent colors depending on the size and type of sensors used. Forexample, the housing 341 may be colored white for a size two x-ray filmunit or colored green for a size zero x-ray film unit.

In one embodiment, the sensor engagement member 345 is connected withthe housing 341. In this embodiment, the sensor engagement member 345can be connected to the housing in any way, such as by using mechanicalfasters including hook and loop type fasters such as VELCRO™, projectingmembers such as keys, channels and cavities such as key-holes, snap-fitarrangements, a frictional arrangement which includes members whichfrictionally engage each other, screws, nails, nuts and bolts, hydraulicengagement; chemical fasteners such as epoxy or other types of glue,solder or other types of welding engagements; magneto-electricalfasteners such as magnets, electrical magnets, and charged couplings. Inone embodiment, the sensor engagement member 345 is integrally connectedwith and formed as one-piece with the housing 341, as shown in FIG. 24.The sensor engagement member 345 is located on one or more sides of theradiation sensor unit 344. Preferably, the sensor engagement member 345is located on four sides of the radiation sensor unit 344 and surroundsthe radiation sensor unit 344, as shown in FIG. 24, allowing theradiation sensing device 340 to be inserted into the holder 310 in oneof a variety of ways. In one embodiment, more than one sensor engagementmember 345 is connected with the housing 341.

In one embodiment, the sensor engagement member 345 includes first,second, third and fourth sensor engagement members 346, 348, 350, 352connected with the housing and surrounding the radiation sensor unit344, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 26. The holder engagement member 315includes first and second holder engagement members 320, 322 connectedwith first and second retention guides 316, 318 to better hold andretain the radiation sensing device 340. Either the first and secondsensor engagement members 346, 348 or third and fourth sensor engagementmembers 350, 352 engage the first and second holder engagement members320, 322, as shown in FIG. 26. In this manner, the radiation sensingdevice 340 can be precisely secured with respect to the holder 310 toallow for more precise alignment of the radiation sensing device 340.

In operation, the radiation sensing device 340 is inserted into theretention member 312 of the holder 310 between the first and secondretention guides 316, 318, as shown in FIGS. 24-27. During insertion,the sensor engagement member 345 contacts and engages the complimentaryholder engagement member 315 at a first preset position. Upon pressingand inserting the radiation sensing device 340 further down into theretention member 312, the sensor engagement member 345 contacts andengages the complimentary holder engagement member 315 at a secondpreset position, retaining the sensing device 340 further down into theretention member 312. Preferably, more than two preset positions existand the radiation sensing device 340 can be inserted further down intothe retention member 312 and retained at more than two preset positionsand preferably at more than three preset positions and more preferablyat five or more preset positions. Allowing the radiation sensing device340 to be retained at more than one preset position within the retentionmember 312 of the holder 310 offers a used of the system 300 greatflexibility in the positioning of the radiation sensing device 340 withrespect to the holder 310.

In one embodiment, the system 300 also includes a ring guide adapter 360connected with the holder 310, a rod 390 removably connected with thering guide adapter 360, and a ring guide 400 which is slidably connectedwith the rod 390, as shown in FIG. 24. The ring guide adapter 360 can beconnected with any ring guide and radiation sensor holder known ordescribed herein. As shown in FIG. 24, the ring guide adapter 360 isconnected with holder 310 at the handle 336. The rod 390 and the ringguide 400 are equivalent to the rod 240 and ring guide 250 describedherein. The ring guide adapter 360 includes first, second and thirdalignment members 362, 368, 374, as shown in FIG. 24.

Each alignment member 362, 368, 374 includes an engagement member 364,370, 376, respectively, which is removably connected with and mates witha complementary engagement member on the rod 390. The first, second, andthird alignment members 362, 368, 374 are positioned in an E-shapedarrangement, as shown in FIG. 24. In this arrangement, the firstalignment member 362 is above the second alignment member 368 which isabove the third alignment member 374 and which are all connected via aconnecting member 383. In this manner, the engagement member on the rod390 engages each engagement member 364, 370, 376 all at the same side ofthe ring guide adapter 360, as shown in FIG. 27. All the alignmentmembers 362, 368, 374 are facing away from the retention member 312, asshown in FIG. 24. The ring guide adapter 360 includes a wire retentionmember 386 which is preferably positioned on the second alignment member368 adjacent the handle 336, as shown in FIG. 24. Preferably, the first,second, and third alignment members 362, 368, 374 are positioned on thering guide adapter 360 so that when the rod 390 is removably connectedwith the second alignment member 368, the ring guide 400 is positionedfor a first radiograph type, such as a bite wing or anterior typeradiograph; so that when rod 390 is removably connected with the thirdalignment member 374, the ring guide 400 is positioned for a secondradiograph type, such as a lower posterior type radiograph; and so thatwhen rod 390 is removably connected with the first alignment member 362,the ring guide 400 is positioned for a third radiograph type, such as aupper posterior type radiograph.

In one embodiment, the first, second, and third alignment members 362,368, 374 are positioned in an E-shaped arrangement, wherein all thealignment members 362, 368, 374 are facing towards the retention member312, as shown in FIG. 30. In this arrangement, the first alignmentmember 362 is above and connected with the second alignment member 368which is above and connected with the third alignment member 374. Inthis manner, the engagement member on the rod 390 engages eachengagement member 364, 370, 376 all at the side of the ring guideadapter 360 which faces towards the retention member 312, as shown inFIG. 30. Preferably, the alignment members 362, 368, 374 are positionedadjacent each other in a stacked configuration, as shown in FIGS. 30 and31. The first, second, and third alignment members 362, 368, 374 arepositioned on the ring guide adapter 360 so that when the rod 390 isremovably connected with the second alignment member 368, the ring guide400 is positioned for a first radiograph type, such as a bite wing oranterior type radiograph; so that when rod 390 is removably connectedwith the third alignment member 374, the ring guide 400 is positionedfor a second radiograph type, such as a lower posterior type radiograph;and so that when rod 390 is removably connected with the first alignmentmember 362, the ring guide 400 is positioned for a third radiographtype, such as a upper posterior type radiograph.

As shown in FIG. 31, the first alignment member 362 is aligned along afirst centerline C₁, the second alignment member 368 is aligned along asecond centerline C₂, and the third alignment member 374 is alignedalong a third centerline C₃. An angle α is formed between the first andsecond alignment members 362, 368 and more specifically between thefirst and second centerlines C₁, C₂. Preferably, the angle α is chosenso as to precisely position the ring guide 400 for a second radiographtype. An angle β is formed between the second and third alignmentmembers 368, 374 and more specifically between the second and thirdcenterlines C₂, C₃. Preferably, the angle β is chosen so as to preciselyposition the ring guide 400 for third radiograph types. Preferably, theangle α is between 5 and 90 degrees, and more preferably between 10 and30 degrees, and most preferably about 15 degrees. Preferably, the angleβ is between 5 and 90 degrees, and more preferably between 10 and 30degrees, and most preferably about 15 degrees. Such positioning of thefirst, second, and third alignment members 362, 368, 374 allows for amore compact arrangement of the ring guide adapter 360.

In one embodiment, the system 300 includes a ring guide adapter 460removably connected with a holder 470 for holding a radiation sensingdevice 120, a rod 390 removably connected with the ring guide adapter460, and a ring guide 400 which is slidably connected with the rod 390,as shown in FIGS. 32 and 33. The ring guide adapter 460 includes anengagement member 461. Engagement member 461 is configured to removablyconnect with and engage a complementary engagement member 241 on the rod390. In one embodiment, complimentary engagement member 241 includes apair of projections 242, 244 extending from the rod 390 in a directionD₁ which is normal to a surface 391 of the rod 390 of the engagementmember 241. In this embodiment, engagement member 241 forms a largecavity 500, or a pair of cavities 501, 502, for receiving the pair ofprojections 242, 244 extending from the rod 390.

In one embodiment, the ring guide adapter 460 includes an engagementmember 440 connected with the engagement member 461 through a handle436. Handle 436 connects the ring guide adapter 460 with engagementmember 440. Preferably, handle 436 extends up and away from the ringguide adapter 460, as shown in FIG. 32. At one end the handle 436 isconnected with the ring guide adapter 460 and at an opposing end 439 thehandle 436 is connected with an engagement member 440 which engagesanother device, such as a holder 470, or a bite wing adapter, andspecifically engages a complimentary engagement member 455 on thedevices, such as holder 470.

As used herein, an engagement member, such as the engagement members461, 440 and 455, may be any device which is adapted to removablyconnect with another device, and includes such thing as: mechanicalfasters including hook and loop type fasters such as VELCRO™, projectingmembers such as keys, channels and cavities such as key-holes, snap-fitarrangements, a frictional arrangement which includes members whichfrictionally engage each other, screws, nails, nuts and bolts, hydraulicengagement; chemical fasteners such as epoxy or other types of glue,solder or other types of welding engagements; magneto-electricalfasteners such as magnets, electrical magnets, and charged couplings.

In one embodiment, the engagement member 440 includes a pair ofprojecting members 450, 452 projecting from a base 484 of engagementmember 440 and which mate with and engage channels 459, 463 formed incomplimentary engagement member 455, as shown in FIG. 32. Projectingmembers 450, 452 project in a direction which is generally normal fromthe base 484. Projecting members 452, 450 are generally cylindrical inshape and are spaced apart from each other by a distance D_(P). Bymating with engagement member. 455, engagement member 440 can be used tomate with a variety of holders for holding a radiation sensing device,such as holder 470, which have engagement member 455. Preferably,projecting members 450, 452 have the same general size, length, andplacement as the pair of projections 242, 244 extending from the rod390. Preferably, the projecting members 450, 452 have a diameter d_(P)of between 1 mm and 10 mm, and preferably between 2 mm and 5 mm, andmost preferably between 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm, and even more preferablyapproximately 3 mm, ±10%. Preferably, projecting members 450, 452 have alength L_(P) of between 5 mm and 20 mm, and preferably between 8 mm and15 mm, and most preferably between 11 mm and 13 mm, and even morepreferably approximately 12 mm, ±10%. Preferably, the distance D_(P)between center points 480, 481 of projecting members 450, 452 is between5 mm and 20 mm, and preferably between 8 mm and 15 mm, and mostpreferably between 12 mm and 14 mm, and even more preferablyapproximately 13.1 mm, ±10%. Engagement member 440 may be part ofadapter 460 and connected with engagement member 461, or engagementmember 440 can be part of any dental instrument and connected with anytype of dental adapter, radiation sensor holder, rod, handle, or biteblock.

In one embodiment, the ring guide adapter 460 includes first, second andthird alignment members 462, 468, 474, as shown in FIG. 32. Eachalignment member 462, 468, 474 includes an engagement member 461 whichis removably connected with and mates with a complementary engagementmember 241 on the rod 390. The first, second, and third alignmentmembers 362, 368, 374 are positioned in any one of a number ofarrangements, such as: an E-shaped arrangement, as shown in FIG. 32; aY-shaped arrangement, as shown in FIG. 22; or a C-shaped arrangement, asshown in FIG. 31. In the E-shaped arrangement, the first alignmentmember 462 is above the second alignment member 468 which is above thethird alignment member 474. In this manner, the engagement member on therod 390 engages each engagement member on the adapter 460 all at thesame side of the ring guide adapter 460, as shown in FIG. 32. The ringguide adapter 360 preferably includes a wire retention member (notshown).

In one embodiment, the ring guide adapter 460 and/or any of thecomponents described herein, such as engagement member 461, handle 436,engagement member 440, projecting members 450, 452, first, second andthird alignment members 462, 468, 474, are integrally formed as onepiece with any combination of other components. In one embodiment, thering guide adapter 460 and/or any of the components described herein,such as engagement member 461, handle 436, engagement member 440,projecting members 450, 452, first, second and third alignment members462, 468, 474, are constructed from a rigid yet somewhat flexiblematerial, such as but not limited to a metal such as iron, steel,stainless steel, aluminum, silver, titanium, and brass; a polymer suchas ethylene, vinyl, acetate, acrylics, acrylonitrol-butadine-styrene,resin, polycarbonate, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene(ABS), polysulphone, or any autoclavable polymer which can withstandtemperatures of in excess of 240° for at least three minutes.

In one embodiment, projecting members 450, 452 comprise an autoclavablepolymer which can withstand temperatures of in excess of 240° F. for atleast three minutes. Preferably, the autoclavable polymer is one ofpolycarbonate, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), orpolysulphone. More preferably, the autoclavable polymer is Ineos H13M-00polypropylene. Using an autoclavable polymer for the projecting members450, 452 allows projecting members 450, 452 to be formed at lower costthan if the projecting members 450, 452 were formed from a metal.Additionally, using an autoclavable polymer for the projecting members450, 452 still allows projecting members 450, 452 to maintain alignmentwith engagement members, such as complimentary engagement member 455. Inone embodiment, projecting member 450, 452 comprise an autoclavablepolymer, are autoclaved, and then are matted with complimentaryengagement member 455. When autoclaving projecting member 450, 452,projecting member 450, 452 are subjected to temperatures of 240° F. orgreater, and preferably 250° F. or greater, and more preferablytemperatures from 240° F. to 300° F., and most preferably temperaturesfrom 250° F. to 280° F., for at least from three to fifteen minutes.Projecting member 450, 452 are autoclaved at a pressure of between 150and 200 kilopascals, and preferably about 186 kilopascals, ±10%. Uponautoclaving projecting members 450, 452, projecting members 450, 452 aremated with and engage channels 459, 463 formed in the complimentaryengagement member 455. Upon autoclaving, the tolerance is maintainedbetween the projecting members 450, 452 and channels 459, 463 formed inthe complimentary engagement member 455, so as to allow for engagementbetween the projecting members 450, 452 and channels 459, 463.

For example, the engagement member 440 has an initial tolerance, for allof its parts (i.e. projections 450, 452 and base 484) and theirlocations with respect to each other, so that first and secondprojecting members 450, 452 are able to engage and mate with channels459, 463 formed in a complimentary engagement member 455. Uponautoclaving the engagement member 440, a resulting tolerance of theengagement member 440, and its subsequent parts and their locations, ismaintained to within ±10% of the engagement member 440's initialtolerance, so as to allow for continued engagement between the first andsecond projecting members 450, 452 and channels 459, 463 formed in acomplimentary engagement member 455. Although the invention has beendescribed and illustrated with reference to specific illustrativeembodiments thereof, it is not intended that the invention be limited tothose illustrative embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognizethat variations and modifications can be made without departing from thespirit of the invention.

1-27. (canceled)
 28. An engagement member for connecting with one of adental adapter, a radiation sensor holder, a rod, a handle, and a biteblock, the engagement member comprising: a base; a first projectingmember projecting on a normal direction from the base, a secondprojecting member spaced apart from the first projecting member andprojecting in a normal direction from the base, wherein the first andsecond projecting members are formed from a polymer.
 29. The engagementmember of claim 28, wherein the first and second projecting members areformed from an autoclavable polymer.
 30. The engagement member of claim29, wherein the autoclavable polymer can withstand temperatures of inexcess of 240° for at least three minutes.
 31. The engagement member ofclaim 28, wherein each projecting member has a diameter d_(P) of between1 mm and 10 mm and a length L_(P) of between 5 mm and 20 mm.
 32. Theengagement member of claim 28, wherein each projecting member has acenter point at a center each projecting member along a cross section,and wherein a distance D_(P) between center points is between 5 mm and20 mm.
 33. The engagement member of claim 28, wherein the engagementmember is connected with a second engagement member forming a pair ofcavities for receiving a pair of projections.
 34. The engagement memberof claim 28, wherein the engagement member is connected with one of adental adapter, a radiation sensor holder, a rod, a handle, and a biteblock.
 35. The engagement member of claim 28, wherein the autoclavablepolymer is one of polycarbonate, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadienestyrene (ABS), or polysulphone.
 36. The engagement member of claim 28,wherein the engagement member has an initial tolerance, wherein uponautoclaving the engagement member a resulting tolerance of theengagement member is maintained to within ±10% of the engagementmember's initial tolerance, so as to allow for continued engagementbetween the first and second projecting members and channels formed in acomplimentary engagement member.
 37. A method for using a dentalinstrument having an initial engagement member, comprising: mating theinitial engagement member with a complimentary engagement member,wherein the initial engagement member includes a base, a firstprojecting member projecting on a normal direction from the base, and asecond projecting member spaced apart from the first projecting memberand projecting in a normal direction from the base, wherein the firstand second projecting members are formed from a polymer, and wherein thecomplimentary engagement member forms at least one cavity for receivingthe first and second projecting members; autoclaving the initialengagement member upon mating; and remating the initial engagementmember with the complimentary engagement member.
 38. The method of claim37, wherein the initial engagement member is formed from an autoclavablepolymer.
 39. The method of claim 38, wherein the autoclavable polymercan withstand temperatures of in excess of 240° for at least threeminutes.
 40. The method of claim 38, wherein the autoclavable polymer isone of polycarbonate, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene(ABS), or polysulphone.
 41. The method of claim 37, wherein eachprojecting member has a diameter d_(P) of between 1 mm and 10 mm and alength L_(P) of between 5 mm and 20 mm.
 42. The method of claim 37,wherein each projecting member has a center point at a center eachprojecting member along a cross section, and wherein a distance D_(P)between center points is between 5 mm and 20 mm.
 43. The method of claim37, wherein the initial engagement member is connected with one of adental adapter, a radiation sensor holder, a rod, a handle, and a biteblock.
 44. The method of claim 37, wherein the autoclaving is conductedat a temperature in excess of 240° F. for at least three minutes. 45.The method of claim 37, wherein the autoclaving is conducted at atemperature from 240° F. to 300° F.
 46. The method of claim 37, whereinthe autoclaving is conducted at a pressure of between 150 and 200kilopascals.